Gospel keeps us from fearing man

Religious people do more harm than pagans and atheists - Troy Dobbs

Col 2:16-23

16) no one pass judgement (because of your identity in Christ), food/drink/Religious holiday (common issue in the early church - see 1 cor 8, Romans 15)

 - intimidated into thinking your missing something 

17) rituals are shadow of reality if Jesus

- easy and dangerous to focus on routine rituals.

18-19) caving into legalism can cause fractures and disqualification  (morality doesn't save, Jesus does)

- Christian faith is not a set of rules 

- or mystical experience 

- power, freedom and the next level are here in some secret place that nobody else is going.

     - flesh (sensual), not spiritual and separated from the truth in scripture 

- Christian faith is about God growing us in connection to Jesus (19)

 - don't be an another's disciple, be Christ disciple

4 ways to know your dealing with legalism (leading you astray)

1) judges and disqualify another according to arbitrary human standards

2) Focused more on what we do instead of God's work

3) subjective feelings or mystical experience normal over history of cross, resurrection 

4) don't need Jesus or church

20-22) asceticism (starvation, self torture).

23) appearance of wisdom, value but does no good in stopping the indulgence of flesh

- Self-reformation will never work. We need transformation. No self-made Christians, we need Christ, we need the Holy Spirit. 

- Self-religion is hearing God saying here is the way, then saying; Thank you God I'll take this other way. 

- Christianity is resting in Christ. Not working. Trusting in His work, not relying on yourself. 

- legalism is trusting in the work of someone else's standards and rules.

- pleasing another rather than God

- code of conduct is a set of precepts 

    - Precept drive 35 mph, principal drive safely 

    - Conformity to the code makes us judgmental 

- We become a stumbling block, preventing others from drawing near to God.

- pagans, pastors 

4 reasons to say no

1) you're complete in Christ 

- everything you need in Christ 

- 20 "if with Christ you died"

- don't be manipulated, intimidated with people being an expert over you. You already completed in Christ. 

2) you never know when the rules are going to change (person, family, situation)

- 22 "things that perish when they're used"

- a worthless list, governing meaningless issues

3) look spiritual without being spiritual 

- prideful. Look good and smell bad.

- let Christ change you inside out

4) legalism doesn't stop the flesh

- the primary problem is people's pride in their own self Reliance 

- legalism brings "success" in the world, the death of the soul. More damaging than alcohol... contrary to Proverbs but I see his point.

Certain you've trusted Christ alone for salvation? People walk around the cross without bowing the knee to Christ. 

Are you more concerned with pleasing people or pleasing God?

Are you worn out in the walk with Christ?

- give it a rest.

- Christian life is not busy doing things for God

- God loves everyone equally, (talents and responsibility)

- called and equipped, the strength of grace, power of grace, peace transcends understanding. 

Mar. 19, 2017

"How the Gospel Keeps Us from Fearing Man" - Colossians 2:16-23 - Troy Dobbs

Watch • Listen •  Outline •  Study Guide

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How God Works His Will Through us

False teaching is rarely completely false.
Maturity's not how much you know but knowing what's important.

They didn't stop believing or deny Jesus but did get distracted from the supremacy of Jesus

Conversion: God changes your life and then your purpose

Apostle = Messenger sent to carry out the instructions  of one who sent him

Not by his choice but the will of God

Timothy Paul's permanent ministry partner

To strengthen our walk with Jesus Christ
1. We need to understand who/whose we are
  - I'm a husband, brother, uncle, son (Sociological). Theologically, I'm a child of God, ambassador, a citizen of heaven (a saint)

A saint is someone set apart, chosen by God. Has everything to do with Jesus work on the cross, nothing to do with our works. Not how we feel, but His promises. Not our behavior, but his perfection. Take seriously how God sees you and what he says about you.


We tend to  live up to or down to our understanding of who we are

2. We need to understand where he's placed us. He places people in a specific location for a reason. We make our plans but God orders our steps. We are where we are by God's Providence.

On purpose, so find purpose in it.

3. We need to understand how doctrine works. Doctrine is Biblical instruction. We understand the doctrine of Grace and Peace.
- Grace: Cross doesn't need help, needs to be preached. God's blessing, when we deserve punishment. God wants to bless you.
Romans 5:8
Legalism seeks to achieve God's favor by what we do. Really self-worship. Keeps us enamored with us, Grace keeps us enamored with Jesus. Legalism says look at me, Grace says look at Jesus.

The primary benefit of Grace is Peace.
Romans 5:1-2

Peace with God means our struggle with God is over. We aren't fighting against him, we submit to him. Phil 4:7

Peace of God. Trust God when everything around us is falling apart. The peace we can't explain apart from God.
1 Peter 4:7-11

Heavy on Pragmatism, light on Theology

The truth that saved me, must be central in my life. A firm foundation established by God's will carried out in Christ Jesus.

http://benlorence.blogspot.com/2016/02/paul-encourages-colossians-strive-for.html

http://www.atgrace.com/information/general/sermon-archive/sermon/how-god-works-his-will-through-us

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Paul encourages Colossians, strive for spiritual maturity

Colossians 1-4

A) Paul explains the gospel to Colossians
B) Paul teaches Colossians about new life in Christ
C) Paul teaches Colossians about true repentance

Special thanks to BSF staff for training at the leaders retreat in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (Feb 11-13). https://www.bsfinternational.org

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